US Army Dictionary of Military Terms

sweeper track — See hunter track.

sweep jamming — (*) A narrow band of jamming that is swept back and forth over a relatively wide operating band of frequencies.

swept path — (*) In naval mine warfare, the width of the lane swept by the mechanical sweep at all depths less than the sweep depth.

switch horn — (*) In naval mine warfare, a switch in a mine operated by a projecting spike. See also horn.

sympathetic detonation — (*) Detonation of a charge by exploding another charge adjacent to it.

synchronization — 1. The arrangement of military actions in time, space, and purpose to produce maximum relative combat power at a decisive place and time. 2. In the intelligence context, application of intelligence sources and methods in concert with the operation plan. (JP 2-0)

synchronized clock — A technique of timing the delivery of fires by placing all units on a common time. The synchronized clock uses a specific hour and minute based on

either local or universal time. Local time is established using the local time zone. (JP 3-09.3)

synthesis — In intelligence usage, the examining and combining of processed information with other information and intelligence for final interpretation.

synthetic exercise — (*) An exercise in which enemy and/or friendly forces are generated, displayed, and moved by electronic or other means on simulators, radar scopes, or other training devices.

systems architecture — Descriptions, including graphics, of systems and interconnections providing for or supporting warfighting functions.

systems design — The preparation of an assembly of methods, procedures, or techniques united by regulated interaction to form an organized whole.

systems support contractors — Contract personnel, normally with high levels of technical expertise, hired to support specific military systems. See also external support contractors; theater support contractors. (JP 4-07)

table of allowance — An equipment allowance document that prescribes basic allowances of organizational equipment, and provides the control to develop, revise, or change equipment authorization inventory data. Also called TOA.

TABOO frequencies — Any friendly frequency of such importance that it must never be deliberately jammed or interfered with by friendly forces. Normally, these frequencies include international distress, CEASE BUZZER, safety, and controller frequencies. These frequencies are generally long standing. However, they may be time-oriented in that, as the combat or exercise situation changes, the restrictions may be removed. See also

CEASE BUZZER; electronic warfare.

(JP 3-51)

TACAN — (*) An ultrahigh frequency electronic air navigation system, able to provide continuous bearing and slant range to a selected station. The term is derived from tactical air navigation.

tacit arms control agreement — An arms control course of action in which two or more nations participate without any formal agreement having been made.

tactical aeromedical evacuation — (*) That phase of evacuation which provides airlift for patients from the combat zone to points outside the combat zone, and between points within the communications zone.

tactical air commander (ashore) — The officer (aviator) responsible to the landing force commander for control and coordination of air operations within the landing force commander’s area of operations when control of these operations is passed ashore.

tactical air control center — The principal air operations installation (ship-based) from which all aircraft and air warning functions of tactical air operations are controlled. Also called Navy TACC. (JP 3-09.3)

tactical air coordinator (airborne) — An officer who coordinates, from an aircraft, the actions of other aircraft engaged in air support of ground or sea forces. Also called

TAC(A). See also forward observer.

tactical air direction center — An air operations installation under the overall control of the tactical air control center (afloat) or tactical air command center, from which aircraft and air warning service functions of tactical air operations in an area of concern are directed. Also called TADC.

tactical airfield fuel dispensing system —

A tactical aircraft refueling system deployed by a Marine air-ground task force in support of air operations at an expeditionary airfield or a forward arming and refueling point. Also called TAFDS.

tactical air groups (shore-based) — Task organizations of tactical air units assigned to the amphibious task force that are to be land-based within, or sufficiently close to, the objective area to provide tactical air support to the amphibious task force. (JP 3-02)

tactical air officer (afloat) — The officer (aviator) under the amphibious task force commander who coordinates planning of all phases of air participation of the amphibious operation and air operations of supporting forces en route to and in the objective area. Until control is passed ashore, this officer exercises control over all operations of the tactical air control center (afloat) and is charged with the

following: a. control of all aircraft in the objective area assigned for tactical air operations, including offensive and defensive air; b. control of all other aircraft entering or passing through the objective area; and c. control of all air warning facilities in the objective area.

tactical air operation — An air operation involving the employment of air power in coordination with ground or naval forces to: a. gain and maintain air superiority; b. prevent movement of enemy forces into and within the objective area and to seek out and destroy these forces and their supporting installations; c. join with ground or naval forces in operations within the objective area, in order to assist directly in attainment of their immediate objective.

tactical air operations center — The principal air control agency of the US Marine air command and control system responsible for airspace control and management. It provides real-time surveillance, direction, positive control, and navigational assistance for friendly aircraft. It performs real-time direction and control of all antiair warfare operations, to include manned interceptors and surface-to-air weapons. It is subordinate to the tactical air command center. Also called TAOC. (JP 3-09.3)

tactical air reconnaissance — The use of air vehicles to obtain information concerning terrain, weather, and the disposition, composition, movement, installations, lines of communications, electronic and communication emissions of enemy forces. Also included are artillery and naval gunfire adjustment, and systematic and random observation of ground battle areas, targets, and/or sectors of airspace.

tactical air support — (*) Air operations carried out in coordination with surface

forces and which directly assist land or maritime operations. See also air support.

tactical air support element — An element of a US Army division, corps, or field army tactical operations center consisting of Army component intelligence staff officer and Army component operations staff officer air personnel who coordinate and integrate tactical air support with current tactical ground operations.

tactical air transport operations — (*) The carriage of passengers and cargo within a theater by means of: a. airborne operations:

(1) parachute assault, (2) helicopterborne assault, (3) air landing; b. air logistic support; c. special missions; d. aeromedical evacuation missions.

tactical assembly area — An area that is generally out of the reach of light artillery and the location where units make final preparations (pre-combat checks and inspections) and rest, prior to moving to the line of departure. See also assembly area; line of departure. (JP 3-35)

tactical call sign — (*) A call sign which identifies a tactical command or tactical communication facility. See also call sign.

tactical combat force — A combat unit, with appropriate combat support and combat service support assets, that is assigned the mission of defeating Level III threats. Also called TCF. (JP 3-10.1)

tactical command, control, communications, and computer system(s) — The facilities, equipment, communications, procedures, and personnel essential to theater-level and below-theater-level commanders for planning, directing, and controlling operations of assigned and attached forces pursuant to the mission assigned and that provide for the conveyance and/or

exchange of data and information from one person or force to another. See also command, control, and computer systems. (JP 6-0)

tactical concept — (*) A statement, in broad outline, which provides a common basis for future development of tactical doctrine. See also tactical sub-concept.

tactical control — Command authority over assigned or attached forces or commands, or military capability or forces made available for tasking, that is limited to the detailed direction and control of movements or maneuvers within the operational area necessary to accomplish missions or tasks assigned. Tactical control is inherent in operational control. Tactical control may be delegated to, and exercised at any level at or below the level of combatant command. When forces are transferred between combatant commands, the command relationship the gaining commander will exercise (and the losing commander will relinquish) over these forces must be specified by the Secretary of Defense. Tactical control provides sufficient authority for controlling and directing the application of force or tactical use of combat support assets within the assigned mission or task. Also called

TACON. See also combatant command; combatant command (command authority); operational control. (JP 0-2)

tactical deception group — A task organization that conducts deception operations against the enemy, including electronic, communication, visual, and other methods designed to misinform and confuse the enemy. (JP 3-02)

tactical digital information link — A Joint Staff-approved, standardized communication link suitable for transmission of digital information. Tactical digital information links interface two or more command and

control or weapons systems via a single or multiple network architecture and multiple communication media for exchange of tactical information. Also called TADIL.

tactical diversion — See diversion.

tactical event system — Current architecture for reporting theater ballistic missile events. The tactical event system is composed of three independent processing and reporting elements: the joint tactical ground stations, attack launch early warning, and tactical detection and reporting. Also called TES.

tactical exploitation of national capabilities

— Congressionally mandated program to improve the combat effectiveness of the Services through more effective military use of national programs. Also called

TENCAP.

tactical information processing and interpretation system — A tactical, mobile, land-based, automated information-handling system designed to store and retrieve intelligence information and to process and interpret imagery or nonimagery data. Also called TIPI.

tactical intelligence — Intelligence that is required for planning and conducting tactical operations. Also called TACINTEL. See also intelligence. (JP 2-0)

tactical intelligence and related activities —

Those activities outside the National Foreign Intelligence Program that accomplish the following: a. respond to operational commanders’ tasking for timesensitive information on foreign entities; b. respond to national intelligence community tasking of systems whose primary mission is support to operating forces; c. train personnel for intelligence duties; d. provide an intelligence reserve; or e. are devoted to research and development of intelligence or related capabilities. Specifically excluded

are programs that are so closely integrated with a weapon system that their primary function is to provide immediate-use targeting data. Also called TIARA.

tactical level of war — The level of war at which battles and engagements are planned and executed to accomplish military objectives assigned to tactical units or task forces. Activities at this level focus on the ordered arrangement and maneuver of combat elements in relation to each other and to the enemy to achieve combat objectives. See also operational level of war; strategic level of war.

tactical loading — See combat loading; unit loading.

tactical locality — (*) An area of terrain which, because of its location or features, possesses a tactical significance in the particular circumstances existing at a particular time.

tactical-logistical group — Representatives designated by troop commanders to assist Navy control officers aboard control ships in the ship-to-shore movement of troops, equipment, and supplies. Also called

TACLOG group.

tactical map — A large-scale map used for tactical and administrative purposes. See also map.

tactical minefield — A minefield that is employed to directly attack enemy maneuver as part of a formation obstacle plan and is laid to delay, channel, or break up an enemy advance, giving the defending element a positional advantage over the attacker.

tactical mining — (*) In naval mine warfare, mining designed to influence a specific operation or to counter a known or presumed tactical aim of the enemy.

Implicit in tactical mining is a limited period of effectiveness of the minefield.

tactical nuclear weapon employment —

The use of nuclear weapons by land, sea, or air forces against opposing forces, supporting installations or facilities, in support of operations that contribute to the accomplishment of a military mission of limited scope, or in support of the military commander’s scheme of maneuver, usually limited to the area of military operations.

tactical obstacles — Those obstacles employed to disrupt enemy formations, to turn them into a desired area, to fix them in position under direct and indirect fires, and to block enemy penetrations. (JP 3-15)

tactical operations center — A physical groupment of those elements of a general and special staff concerned with the current tactical operations and the tactical support thereof. Also called TOC. See also command post.

tactical range — (*) A range in which realistic targets are in use and a certain freedom of maneuver is allowed.

tactical reserve — A part of a force held under the control of the commander as a maneuvering force to influence future action.

tactical security — (*) In operations, the measures necessary to deny information to the enemy and to ensure that a force retains its freedom of action and is warned or protected against an unexpected encounter with the enemy or an attack. See also physical security; security. (JP 3-07.2)

tactical sub-concept — (*) A statement, in broad outline, for a specific field of military capability within a tactical concept which provides a common basis both for equipment and weapon system

development and for future development of tactical doctrine. See also tactical concept.

tactical transport aircraft — (*) Aircraft designed primarily for the carriage of personnel and/or cargo over short or medium distances.

tactical troops — Combat troops, together with any service troops required for their direct support, who are organized under one commander to operate as a unit and engage the enemy in combat. See also troops.

tactical unit — An organization of troops, aircraft, or ships that is intended to serve as a single unit in combat. It may include service units required for its direct support.

tactical vehicle — See military designed vehicle.

tactical warning — 1. A warning after initiation of a threatening or hostile act based on an evaluation of information from all available sources. 2. In satellite and missile surveillance, a notification to operational command centers that a specific threat event is occurring. The component elements that describe threat events are as follows: a. country of origin — Country or countries initiating hostilities; b. event type and size — Identification of the type of event and determination of the size or number of weapons; c. country under attack — Determined by observing trajectory of an object and predicting its impact point; and d. event time — Time the hostile event occurred. Also called integrated tactical warning. See also attack assessment; strategic warning.

tactical warning and assessment — A composite term. See separate definitions for tactical warning and for attack assessment.

tactical warning and attack assessment —

A composite term. See separate definitions for tactical warning and for attack assessment. Also called TW/AA.

tactics — 1. The employment of units in combat. 2. The ordered arrangement and maneuver of units in relation to each other and/or to the enemy in order to use their full potentialities.

tagline — A line attached to a draft of cargo or container to provide control and minimize pendulation of cargo during lifting operations. See also container; draft. (JP 4-01.6)

tanker airlift control center — The Air Mobility Command direct reporting unit responsible for tasking and controlling operational missions for all activities involving forces supporting US Transportation Command’s global air mobility mission. The tanker airlift control center is comprised of the following functions: current operations, command and control, logistic operations, aerial port operations, aeromedical evacuation, flight planning, diplomatic clearances, weather, and intelligence. Also called TACC. See also tanker airlift control element.

(JP 3-17)

tanker airlift control element — A mobile command and control organization deployed to support strategic and theater air mobility operations at fixed, en route, and deployed locations where air mobility operational support is nonexistent or insufficient. The tanker airlift control element (TALCE) provides on-site management of air mobility airfield operations to include command and control, communications, aerial port services, maintenance, security, transportation, weather, intelligence, and other support functions, as necessary. The TALCE is

composed of mission support elements from various units and deploys in support of peacetime, contingency, and emergency relief operations on both planned and “no notice” basis. Also called TALCE. See also tanker airlift control center. (JP 3-17)

tare weight — The weight of a container deducted from gross weight to obtain net weight or the weight of an empty container. (JP 4-01.7)

target — 1. An area, complex, installation, force, equipment, capability, function, or behavior identified for possible action to support the commander’s objectives, guidance, and intent. Targets fall into two general categories: planned and immediate. 2. In intelligence usage, a country, area, installation, agency, or person against which intelligence operations are directed. 3. An area designated and numbered for future firing. 4. In gunfire support usage, an impact burst that hits the target. Also called

TGT. See also objective area. (JP 3-60)

target acquisition — (*) The detection, identification, and location of a target in sufficient detail to permit the effective employment of weapons. Also called TA.

See also target analysis.

target analysis — (*) An examination of potential targets to determine military importance, priority of attack, and weapons required to obtain a desired level of damage or casualties. See also target acquisition.

target approach point — (*) In air transport operations, a navigational check point over which the final turn into the drop zone/ landing zone is made. See also initial point.

target area of interest — The geographical area where high-value targets can be acquired and engaged by friendly forces. Not all target areas of interest will form part of the friendly course of action; only target

areas of interest associated with high priority targets are of interest to the staff. These are identified during staff planning and wargaming. Target areas of interest differ from engagement areas in degree. Engagement areas plan for the use of all available weapons; target areas of interest might be engaged by a single weapon. Also called TAI. See also area of interest; highvalue target; target. (JP 2-01.3)

target area survey base — (*) A base line used for the locating of targets or other points by the intersection of observations from two stations located at opposite ends on the line.

target array — A graphic representation of enemy forces, personnel, and facilities in a specific situation, accompanied by a target analysis.

target audience — (*) An individual or group selected for influence or attack by means of psychological operations.

target base line — A line connecting prime targets along the periphery of a geographic area.

target bearing — 1. true — The true compass bearing of a target from a firing ship. 2. relative — The bearing of a target measured in the horizontal from the bow of one’s own ship clockwise from 0 degrees to 360 degrees, or from the nose of one’s own aircraft in hours of the clock.

target classification — A grouping of targets in accordance with their threat to the amphibious task force and its component elements: targets not to be fired upon prior to D-day and targets not to be destroyed except on direct orders.

target complex — (*) A geographically integrated series of target concentrations. See also target.

target concentration — (*) A grouping of geographically proximate targets. See also target; target complex.

target critical damage point — The part of a target component that is most vital. Also called critical node. See also target; target component. (JP 3-05.5)

target data inventory — A basic targeting program that provides a standardized target data in support of the requirements of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Military Departments, and unified and specified commands for target planning coordination and weapons application. Also called TDI.

target date — (*) The date on which it is desired that an action be accomplished or initiated.

target discrimination — (*) The ability of a surveillance or guidance system to identify or engage any one target when multiple targets are present.

target dossier — (*) A file of assembled target intelligence about a specific geographic area.

target folder — (*) A folder containing target intelligence and related materials prepared for planning and executing action against a specific target.

target information center — The agency or activity responsible for collecting, displaying, evaluating, and disseminating information pertaining to potential targets. See also target. (JP 3-02)

targeting — The process of selecting and prioritizing targets and matching the

targeting effects — The cumulative results of actions taken to attack targets and target systems by lethal and nonlethal means. See also target; targeting. (JP 3-60)

target intelligence — (*) Intelligence that portrays and locates the components of a target or target complex and indicates its vulnerability and relative importance. See also target; target complex.

target list — The listing of targets maintained and promulgated by the senior echelon of command; it contains those targets that are to be engaged by supporting arms, as distinguished from a “list of targets” that may be maintained by any echelon as confirmed, suspected, or possible targets for informational and planning purposes. See also joint target list; list of targets.

target materials — Graphic, textual, tabular, digital, video, or other presentations of target intelligence, primarily designed to support operations against designated targets by one or more weapon(s) systems. Target materials are suitable for training, planning, executing, and evaluating military operations. See also Air Target Materials Program. (JP 2-0)

target nomination list — A list of targets nominated by component commanders, national agencies, or the joint force commander staff for potential inclusion on the joint integrated prioritized target list to support joint force commander objectives and priorities. Also called TNL. See also joint integrated prioritized target list; target. (JP 3-60)

target of opportunity — A target visible to a surface or air sensor or observer, which is

within range of available weapons and against which fire has not been scheduled or requested. See also target. (JP 3-60)

target overlay — (*) A transparent sheet which, when superimposed on a particular chart, map, drawing, tracing or other representation, depicts target locations and designations. The target overlay may also show boundaries between maneuver elements, objectives and friendly forward dispositions.

target pattern — The flight path of aircraft during the attack phase. Also called attack pattern.

target priority — A grouping of targets with the indicated sequence of attack.

target range — See range.

target response (nuclear) — The effect on men, material, and equipment of blast, heat, light, and nuclear radiation resulting from the explosion of a nuclear weapon.

target signature — (*) 1. The characteristic pattern of a target displayed by detection and identification equipment. 2. In naval mine warfare, the variation in the influence field produced by the passage of a ship or sweep.

target stress point — The weakest point (most vulnerable to damage) on the critical damage point. Also called vulnerable node. See also target critical damage point. (JP 3-05.5)

target system — (*) 1. All the targets situated in a particular geographic area and functionally related. 2. (DOD only) A group of targets that are so related that their destruction will produce some particular effect desired by the attacker. See also target; target complex.

target system component — A set of targets belonging to one or more groups of industries and basic utilities required to produce component parts of an end product such as periscopes, or one type of a series of interrelated commodities, such as aviation gasoline.

task component — A subdivision of a fleet, task force, task group, or task unit, organized by the respective commander or by higher authority for the accomplishment of specific tasks.

task element — A component of a naval task unit organized by the commander of a task unit or higher authority.

task force — (*) 1. A temporary grouping of units, under one commander, formed for the purpose of carrying out a specific operation or mission. 2. A semi-permanent organization of units, under one commander, formed for the purpose of carrying out a continuing specific task. 3. A component of a fleet organized by the commander of a task fleet or higher authority for the accomplishment of a specific task or tasks. Also called TF. See also force.

task group — A component of a naval task force organized by the commander of a task force or higher authority. Also called TG.

tasking order — A method used to task and to disseminate to components, subordinate units, and command and control agencies projected targets and specific missions. In addition, the tasking order provides specific instructions concerning the mission planning agent, targets, and other control agencies, as well as general instructions for accomplishment of the mission. Also called

TASKORD. See also mission; order; target. (JP 3-05.1)

task organization — 1. In the Navy, an organization which assigns to responsible commanders the means with which to accomplish their assigned tasks in any planned action. 2. An organization table pertaining to a specific naval directive.

task-organizing — The act of designing an operating force, support staff, or logistic package of specific size and composition to meet a unique task or mission. Characteristics to examine when task-organizing the force include, but are not limited to: training, experience, equipage, sustainability, operating environment, enemy threat, and mobility. (JP 3-05)

task unit — A component of a naval task group organized by the commander of a task group or higher authority.

taxiway — (*) A specially prepared or designated path on an airfield for the use of taxiing aircraft.

T-day — See times.

tear line — A physical line on an intelligence message or document separating categories of information that have been approved for foreign disclosure and release. Normally, the intelligence below the tear line is that which has been previously cleared for disclosure or release. (JP 2-0)

technical analysis — (*) In imagery interpretation, the precise description of details appearing on imagery.

technical architecture — A minimal set of rules governing the arrangement, interaction, and interdependence of the parts or elements whose purpose is to ensure that a conformant system satisfies a specified set of requirements.

technical assistance — The providing of advice, assistance, and training pertaining to the installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment.

technical characteristics — Those characteristics of equipment that pertain primarily to the engineering principles involved in producing equipment possessing desired military characteristics; e.g., for electronic equipment, technical characteristics include such items as circuitry as well as types and arrangement of components.

technical documentation — Visual information documentation (with or without sound as an integral documentation component) of an actual event made for purposes of evaluation. Typically, technical documentation contributes to the study of human or mechanical factors, procedures, and processes in the fields of medicine, science, logistics, research, development, test and evaluation, intelligence, investigations, and armament delivery. Also called TECDOC. See also visual information documentation.

technical escort — An individual technically qualified and properly equipped to accompany designated material requiring a high degree of safety or security during shipment.

technical evaluation — The study and investigations by a developing agency to determine the technical suitability of material, equipment, or a system for use in the Military Services. See also operational evaluation.

technical information — Information, including scientific information, that relates to research, development, engineering, test, evaluation, production, operation, use, and